ISAC: Illinois Student Assistance Commission
Partner News & Updates

Newsletters & Emails

Our emails keep you informed and up-to-date on the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s programs and services. Messages are organized by subscription group(s), with the most recent messages appearing at the top.

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Students & Parents  
Counselors & Advisors  
Financial Aid Administrators  
Community Partners 

Reminder for Science Meets Wisdom: Virtual FAN Event

April 1, 2026

FAN will present Born to Flourish: How New Science and Ancient Wisdom Reveal a Simple Path to Thriving , featuring the book's authors: Richard J. Davidson, Ph.D. and Cortland Dahl, Ph.D.
Counselors Principals, Superintendents, Administrators High School Counselors, Teachers College Admission Counselors Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants Community Organizations Public Libraries FAAs Financial Aid Directors Financial Aid Administrators Public Schools - Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs MAP Users Business Officers ECACE Administrators NES Schools

Learn About Workforce Pell: April 6 Webinar

March 31, 2026

Illinois is preparing to launch Workforce Pell, a new federal expansion of Pell Grants that - beginning July 1, 2026 - will allow eligible students to use financial aid for high‑quality, short‑term workforce training programs. This change will have important implications for employers, colleges, training providers, workforce leaders, advisors, and learners across the state.
Counselors Principals, Superintendents, Administrators High School Counselors, Teachers FAAs Financial Aid Directors Financial Aid Administrators

Science Meets Wisdom: Virtual FAN Event

March 25, 2026

FAN will present Born to Flourish: How New Science and Ancient Wisdom Reveal a Simple Path to Thriving, featuring the book's authors: Richard J. Davidson, Ph.D. and Cortland Dahl, Ph.D.
Counselors Principals, Superintendents, Administrators High School Counselors, Teachers College Admission Counselors Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants Community Organizations Public Libraries FAAs Financial Aid Directors Financial Aid Administrators Public Schools - Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs MAP Users Business Officers ECACE Administrators NES Schools

Submit 2025-26 Teachers of Illinois Certification Data

March 25, 2026

Effective Wednesday, March 25, 2026, colleges may certify eligibility for the 2025-26 Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program using the Teachers of Illinois system.
FAAs Financial Aid Directors Financial Aid Administrators

2025-26 Payment Updates and Reminders

March 23, 2026

As of Monday, March 23, 2026, the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs (GAP) Access portal is available for submission of third-term payment requests (claims). Colleges are encouraged to submit 2025-26 claims as soon as possible.
FAAs Financial Aid Directors Financial Aid Administrators MAP Users Business Officers ECACE Administrators NES Schools

Don't miss out on upcoming Professional Development opportunities from ISAC!

March 18, 2026

Join ISAC for our FREE upcoming Professional Development Opportunities! Professional Development and Continuing Education hours will be available.
Counselors Principals, Superintendents, Administrators High School Counselors, Teachers College Admission Counselors Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants Community Organizations Public Libraries FAAs Financial Aid Directors Financial Aid Administrators Public Schools - Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs MAP Users Business Officers ECACE Administrators NES Schools

Registration is now open for the 2026 FAFSA® Symposium!

March 13, 2026

Register now to secure your spot for the 2026 FAFSA Symposium, taking place virtually March 24, 2026! Registration is free . We hope to see you there!
Counselors Principals, Superintendents, Administrators High School Counselors, Teachers College Admission Counselors Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants Community Organizations Public Libraries FAAs Financial Aid Directors Financial Aid Administrators Public Schools - Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs MAP Users Business Officers ECACE Administrators NES Schools

ISAC Monthly Webinar for FAAs on March 25

March 12, 2026

Plan to join the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) at 2:00 p.m. (CT) on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 for a "Monthly Program & Operational Update" webinar for financial aid administrators.
FAAs Financial Aid Directors Financial Aid Administrators Public Schools - Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs MAP Users Business Officers ECACE Administrators NES Schools

2026 FAFSA® Symposium – Join Virtually March 24, 2026

March 6, 2026

To better accommodate participants and engagement across the state, the 2026 FAFSA ® Symposium on March 24, 2026, will be moved to a virtual format. Join us to gain practical tools, connect with peers, and support students and families through the financial aid process.
Counselors Principals, Superintendents, Administrators High School Counselors, Teachers College Admission Counselors Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants Community Organizations Public Libraries FAAs Financial Aid Directors Financial Aid Administrators Public Schools - Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs MAP Users Business Officers ECACE Administrators NES Schools

ISAC Sessions During 2026 ILASFAA Conference

March 4, 2026

The Illinois Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (ILASFAA) annual conference – Navigating the Upside Down – will be an in-person event taking place March 9-11, 2026, at the Westin Chicago Lombard Hotel in Lombard, Illinois.
FAAs Financial Aid Directors Financial Aid Administrators Public Schools - Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs MAP Users Business Officers ECACE Administrators NES Schools